in my settings "on multiprocessor systems,use at most x% of the processors"
i have changed this figure to 100% .in the task manager it appears the program is using all 4 cores,exactly what i want.
question :is this the 'optimal' setting for this parameter ? (to take full advantage of the quadcore's power)

also how can i tell if the program is using my gpu to its fullest? its an ATI 5770 o/c,system is setup for f.p.s gaming and is quite fast. i understand boinc cannot use both cpu and gpu at the same time?

Programmers which make the Optimized application made several for ATI GPUs but I can't recommend this for a "New member".
(unless you know the computers, BOINC and SETI very well (e.g. can you tell where is the file client_state.xml))

For your general question:
"how can i tell if the (any) program is using my gpu to its fullest?"
use GPU-Z (Sensors tab show GPU load and many other things)http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

ok thanx again,might give it a miss until im more comfortable with seti as a whole,very steep learning curve !!!! think ill run a few weeks on the cpu alone first before playing with the 3rd apps.........cheers